Blind Ghostwriter: Starts with the full level of Nine Yang Magic Skill

Chapter 281 Heading to the Northern Desert
On the first day of the twelfth lunar month, a heavy snow fell in Chang'an. However, the heavy snow could not suppress the lively atmosphere in the city. The snow on the streets had long been trampled with mottled gray marks by passersby. The shouts of vendors, along with the aroma of roasted chestnuts, pierced through the snow. The copper bells on the peddler's carrying pole jingled in the wind and snow. The sounds of silk and bamboo instruments drifting from the embroidered towers mingled with the laughter of children chasing and playing.

Gu Mo led the woman in red and the musician down the street, looking at the still bustling city of Chang'an, and felt a pang of emotion.

Along the way, we passed through many cities, all of which were desolate. Only the capital city of Chang'an seemed unaffected by the war and remained the same as the Chang'an I remembered.

After traveling for a while, we arrived at the residence of Princess Chengyang.

The gatekeepers at the princess's residence recognized Gu Mo and immediately invited him in with great respect.

Not long after entering the mansion, while walking along the outer corridor, Gu Chudong ran out from the inner courtyard, shouting "Brother!" and then pounced on Gu Mo, hugging him tightly while chattering away.

"Brother, you've been gone for almost four months now..."

"Let me tell you, I've recently met so many friends in Beijing. They're all so beautiful! Brother, why don't you go and see which one would be suitable to be your sister-in-law..."

suddenly,

Gu Chudong saw the musician and the woman in red behind Gu Mo. Then, she ignored the musician and stared intently at the woman in red, her eyes shining. She whispered, "Brother, you really brought me back a sister-in-law after this trip? She's so beautiful! Brother, you have such good taste!"

Gu Mo smiled helplessly. He couldn't blame Gu Chudong for having this thought. After all, the body that Hongyi had chosen was indeed very beautiful, no less than any beauty Gu Mo had ever seen. Moreover, Hongyi's temperament was unmatched by most people. She was not human and had no earthy feelings. This kind of extraordinary temperament was something that normal people could never cultivate.

The woman in red bowed to Gu Chudong and said, "This servant, Hongyi, greets Miss."

The musician also bowed respectfully.

Gu Chudong asked in surprise, "A servant? A maid?"

The woman in red nodded slightly.

Gu Chudong looked up at Gu Mo with a blank expression and said, "Brother, you've become so arrogant now?"

Gu Mo smiled and said, "I'll explain it to you later. Their situation is a bit special; they are two bodyguards I found for you."

Gu Chudong immediately retorted, "Brother, me, your sister Gu Chudong, a grandmaster, and the Heavenly Demon Harp, a guard? Who's protecting whom?"

Gu Mo said calmly, "Even Su Qianqiu can't beat the two of them."

Gu Chudong: "I did raise my voice a bit!"

……

Upon arriving at the princess's residence, Gu Mo could still clearly feel the impact of the war in Jiang Kingdom. As the most favored princess, Princess Chengyang, Li Li, had always lived a very extravagant life, but now, her life had become very simple, and even many of the rare stones and precious trees in the residence were gone.

"You look like you've fallen out of favor," Gu Mo couldn't help but tease Li the moment he saw her.

Indeed, Li Li's current appearance is completely different from before. All the expensive jewelry she used to wear is gone, and even her clothes have been changed from gold and silver threads to very ordinary fabric.

Hearing Gu Mo's teasing, Li Li stuck out her tongue at Gu Mo and said, "What do you know? This princess is responding to my father's call. The war on the front lines is intense, and the soldiers are working very hard to defend the country. I don't have any great abilities to help, but I can't hold them back either. So, I sold everything in my mansion that could be sold to raise money for the national treasury."

Gu Mo looked at the petite Li Li with some surprise and said, "I didn't expect that you, a pampered princess, would have this kind of awareness!"

“Don’t look down on me,” Li Li said. “Although I’m a bit playful and not very well-read, I still understand the principles. If it weren’t for the soldiers fighting bravely on the front lines, I wouldn’t be living such a good life. What princess, what wealth and glory, those are all fleeting clouds.”

Gu Mo gave a thumbs up and said, "So Your Highness is wise beyond your years. From now on, I will look at you with new respect!"

Li Li proudly raised her head and said, "Gu Mo, I'm so aware of this, can you also be so aware? You're the best in the world at martial arts. If you help fight, you'll definitely make the Chu people suffer defeat after defeat, and you won't suffer any losses. You go and protect the country, and I, the princess, will sacrifice myself to marry you and bear your children. You protect the country in front, and I'll protect your home behind you!"

Gu Mo rolled his eyes and said, "You've gone too far. You can't just take things like food and money like this. You want my martial arts skills to help you fight, and you also want my body. You've got a real scheme up your sleeve."

Li Li grinned and chuckled, "I was just thinking that if I married you, I could be with Chu Dong every day!"

Gu Mo laughed and said, "You want to marry my sister, don't you?"

"May I?"

Gu Mo: “…”

Gu Chudong: “…”

Just as the group was chatting, a guard came to report that someone from the palace had arrived.

Li Li immediately invited someone in. It was Emperor Qian who, having learned of Gu Mo's return to the capital, sent an envoy to invite Gu Mo to the palace for a meeting.

Gu Mo was also preparing to meet with Emperor Qian to discuss the matter of the dragon vein, so he immediately left with the envoy.

"elder brother,"

Just as they stepped out, Gu Chudong chased after them, pulled Gu Mo to a corner, took out an envelope and handed it to Gu Mo, whispering, "Brother, Brother Ye left the capital a while ago. Before he left, he specifically sought me out and gave me a letter to give to you."

Gu Mo took the envelope, opened it, and took out the letter inside to read:
Brother Gu, by the time you read this letter, I will surely be in the northern desert. Don't worry, this isn't a final letter, but it's close enough.

Before you went to Penglai Island, I told you that I could tell you the whereabouts of the Plague God when you returned. The reason I didn't tell you then was because I was afraid you would go to find the Plague God on the spot, since the Plague God has always been hiding in the underground ghost city.

The plague god is terrifying. If it were to break out in the capital, the Qian Kingdom would be doomed. However, now that you know, you don't need to go to the Ghost City to look for it anymore, because the plague god is definitely no longer in the Ghost City, but in the Northern Desert. I am in the Northern Desert now.

I will go to the northern desert for two reasons. First, the national treasury is empty and I am looking for the treasures of the ruins of the Kuoxu. Second, the person behind me wants to enter the ruins of the Kuoxu to kill the Fire Qilin.

The Fire Qilin is in the Ruins of Kuoxu. The Plague God is the Fire Qilin's protector. Therefore, the Ruins of Kuoxu are very dangerous this time. The Plague God, the Fire Qilin, and the person behind me—oh right, the person behind me is also an old acquaintance of yours, Qi Miaoxuan.

However, Qi Miaoxuan is just one of his many identities. He is an immortal being who has lived for hundreds, or even thousands of years. He probably wants to obtain the power of the Fire Qilin, but he hasn't found a suitable method. That's why he has been experimenting for hundreds of years, constantly exploring, and finally discovered a method. It has been proven to be feasible on me, so he is now heading to the Ruins of ...

The reason I'm telling you all this is because I have a premonition that I will definitely fall into demonic possession this time when I go to the Ruins of Kuo. Qi Miaoxuan doesn't care about the lives of those soldiers or whether the Qian Kingdom will be destroyed, but I'm different. If I want to block the plague god and bring out the treasures of the Ruins of Kuo, the only way is to fall into demonic possession and unleash the power of my Qilin blood.

If I die inside, it doesn't matter. But if I come out, Brother Gu, don't forget your promise to me: kill me, but don't let me become a source of trouble. If possible, please help me ensure that the treasures of the Ruins of Kuo are successfully incorporated into the national treasury.

One last piece of advice, Brother Gu: Although you are very powerful, and I admit you are the best in the world, the people in the Ruins of Kuo are not human this time, so don't even think about coming to join the fun. You still have a younger sister, and you are not married yet!
I know you're not the kind of person who's overly sentimental and wouldn't risk your life just because of worries. Otherwise, I really wouldn't have told you these things.

Remember to kill me!
Of course, if I haven't fallen into demonic possession, don't go around hacking and slashing, hmm. I hope I haven't fallen into demonic possession. If I can really get out safely, I definitely want to fight you. I admit you're the best in the world, but I also admit that I'm really strong now!

……

After reading Ye Jinglan's letter, Gu Mo chuckled softly.
Ye Jinglan is right. Gu Mo is not a pretentious person. He would not knowingly do something beyond his capabilities when there is danger.

but,

If he has the power to do so, and happens to be dealing with a wanted criminal he's been longing for, then he'll definitely go and join in the fun.

[Wanted Target - Fire Kirin]

[Task Level - Seven Stars]

[Quest Reward - Max Level Tathagata Palm]

……

[Wanted Target - Plague God]

[Mission Level - Eight Stars]

[Quest Reward - Max Level War God Illustration]

……

A seven-star wanted criminal receives the Tathagata Palm, the most powerful martial art in Buddhism; an eight-star wanted criminal receives the War God Manual. Both of these martial arts are extremely rare and can enhance one's combat power. The War God Manual, in particular, is a cheat-like martial art; once its principles are understood, it can be applied to any martial art, enhancing all of them.

Therefore,
Gu Mo was determined to join in the excitement in the northern desert.

……

After carefully putting away Ye Jinglan's letter, Gu Mo followed the imperial envoy into the palace and met Emperor Qian.

Emperor Qian treated Gu Mo with the same politeness and respect as always, even to the point of trying to curry favor, personally greeting him at the palace gate.

In the midst of heavy snowfall,
Emperor Qian stood in front of the palace gate, with only a few guards following him at a distance, and a eunuch holding an umbrella.

Upon seeing Gu Mo appear, Emperor Qian hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Just two days ago, I dreamt of you, Master Gu. Today, I am overjoyed to hear that you have returned to the capital!"

Gu Mo cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty could have simply sent someone to inform me. There's no need to come out to greet me in this heavy snow."

“It’s different.” Emperor Qian took the umbrella from the eunuch and personally held it for Gu Mo, saying, “Actually, I know in my heart that my status as emperor is very noble to ordinary people, but in front of a celestial being like you, Hero Gu, I am no different from an ordinary person.”

Just like Su Qianqiu of the Southern Jin Dynasty, who could decide who would become emperor with a single sentence, such as Zhang Tianshi, Master Liansheng of the Chu Kingdom, and Lu Tianxin, the Confucian half-sage of the Later Qin Dynasty, if they did not all have the ties of their sect's lineage, they too would have been able to rise above the imperial power.

Actually, I understand all of this perfectly well. And as for you, Master Gu, you're already a celestial being, so there's no need for further explanation. You still address me as Your Majesty and respect the laws of the Qian Kingdom—that's your high level of understanding. But that doesn't mean I can put on airs like an emperor in front of you. In layman's terms, you've given me a way out, but I can't think that just because I'm on that step, I'm superior to you.”

Gu Mo was momentarily at a loss for words.

He was a person who had awakened his innate wisdom. He lacked the sense of awe that people of this era had for imperial power. As his cultivation improved, it was even less likely that he would still have any illusions about imperial power. After all, he had personally killed an emperor.

Snow covered the bluestone slabs, complementing the red walls and gray tiles.

Gu Mo and Emperor Qian walked side by side, a faint sound of wind carried on the breeze, occasionally a few snowflakes drifting into the air under the eaves of the umbrella.

The two chatted as they walked and soon arrived at the Imperial Study.

A stove was burning in the study, and a pot of tea was being brewed.

Emperor Qian poured tea for Gu Mo and said, "Actually, besides wanting to see you, there is something else I wanted to tell you today."

Gu Mo picked up his teacup and said, "Your Majesty, please speak."

Emperor Qian said, "I have already decided on the heir apparent, Prince Jin, Li Zhongqing. Are you satisfied with him, Master Gu?"

Gu Mo chuckled and said, "Your Majesty, this is your family matter. You don't need to tell me. I have never liked to meddle in court affairs."

“It needs to be said,” Emperor Qian said, “because Prince Li Zhongqing of Jin has a past relationship with you. When he returned from Chu, he was assassinated in the northern desert, and it was with your help that he was able to return safely.”

Although you happened to be there by chance and it was just a casual encounter, this matter inadvertently offended Prince Qi, Li Zhongyi. Later, in Qingzhou, you broke the Taixu Divine Armor and killed the wanted criminal, the leader of the Qingye Hall, all of which were related to Prince Qi, Li Zhongyi.

Fortunately, that kid wasn't stupid. He knew you weren't deliberately targeting him. Although he harbored resentment, he didn't seek revenge. Now, I've stripped him of his power and sent him to his fiefdom to be a leisurely prince. And the crown prince is none other than the Prince of Jin, who is grateful to you.

The reason I'm deliberately informing you isn't because I don't know you dislike court intrigues and wouldn't interfere in royal disputes. My main point is to assure you that from now on, in the Qian Kingdom, whether you're pursuing wanted criminals or indulging in worldly pleasures, you can do as you please. There will be absolutely no fools in the royal family causing you trouble. If you need anything, just let me know at any time.

Gu Mo was somewhat taken aback. If Emperor Qian hadn't mentioned it, he wouldn't have remembered Prince Qi, Li Zhongyi, and he wouldn't have known that Prince Qi was behind the scenes when he saved Li Zhongqing in Mobei and killed the head of Qingye Hall in Qingzhou.

However, he couldn't help but sigh that it was fortunate that the Prince of Qi was quick-witted and hadn't done anything stupid; otherwise, if the Prince of Qi had really come looking for trouble, he would have had another prince's life on his hands.

However, although Gu Mo didn't take the matter to heart, he still bowed to Emperor Qian and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Emperor Qian smiled slightly and said, "This is the respect that the royal family should show to immortals in the mortal world."

Gu Mo smiled slightly, took a sip of tea, and said, "Actually, I also have something I want to tell His Majesty today when I come to the palace."

Emperor Qianhuang quickly said, "Please speak, Master Gu."

Gu Mo said, "This time, I went to Penglai Island in the East China Sea and met a person named Ji Wusuan, who is known as the number one fortune teller in the world. Although he is a martial artist, he is very concerned about national affairs and has a high opinion of Your Majesty, believing that you will be a wise ruler. Therefore, he asked me to do something for the Qian Kingdom."

Emperor Qian asked with delight, "What is it?"

Gu Mo said, "Ji Wusuan deduced the secrets of heaven and calculated that within ten years, the seven hundred years of chaos would end and the legendary dragon vein would appear. The ownership of the dragon vein would determine the fate of a dynasty. He used his personal favor to get me to help the Qian Kingdom fight for the dragon vein."

"Then what do you mean?" Emperor Qian asked hurriedly.

“I agree,” Gu Mo said.

Emperor Qian made no attempt to hide his excitement, saying, "Since ancient times, there has been a saying that the dragon vein determines the fate of the world. Although its truth is uncertain, since both Mr. Ji and Hero Gu believe it exists, then it must exist. With Hero Gu's help, the dragon vein should choose the Great Qian!"

Gu Mo said, "The reason I brought this up today is to remind Your Majesty that since Ji Wusuan was able to predict the end of the seven hundred years of chaos and the emergence of the dragon vein, it means that this person is likely to be able to find the dragon vein."

Therefore, if Your Majesty believes this, you must treat scholars with respect and invite Ji Wusuan to come out of seclusion, to take command of the Imperial Observatory, and to lead the search for the dragon vein. When the dragon vein is found, send someone to inform me. I cannot guarantee anything else, but in terms of individual military strength, I can assure you that the Qian Kingdom is no weaker than any other nation.”

"Excellent, excellent!" Emperor Qian said with great joy, "The fact that Great Qian has such figures as Hero Gu and Mr. Ji shows that Great Qian's national fortune is prosperous. I will definitely do my best to find this dragon vein."

……

Gu Mo stayed in the capital for two days, meeting Zhuo Qingfeng, Su Ziyou, and Wang Zhengge, the top constable of the Six Doors. After that, he left the capital with Gu Chudong.

Gu Chudong was not very satisfied with Gu Mo's itinerary. After learning that Hongyi was not human, she had the idea of ​​taking Gu Mo on blind dates again. However, Gu Mo refused, which ruined Gu Chudong's plan to bring a group of women back to Linjiang.

However, in the blink of an eye, her mood improved again.

Because Gu Mo decided to return to Linjiang and buy the original Bu Er Manor, turning it into a manor unique to the Gu family.

Bu Er Manor was originally a winery, but was later transformed into Zhui Feng Lou by Yan San Niang. Once upon a time, due to Gu Mo's sudden emergence, Bu Er Manor was the most sought-after Zhui Feng Lou in Yunzhou.

However, later, Yan San Niang's father, Marquis Bai Chaoxian of Guangyang, was deceived by Empress Dowager Yan and was eventually purged, leading to the destruction of his family. It was around that time that Yan San Niang sold Bu Er Manor, and afterwards, she wandered the world, and four years have passed since then.

Back then, Buer Manor was bought by a wealthy merchant and turned into a cloth business. However, half a year ago, due to the war in Jiang Kingdom, the court imposed heavy taxes, and the cloth business went bankrupt. The manor was sold again, but now, with the current situation, wealthy people are thinking of keeping their money in their hands, so the manor has been left untouched until now.

Six months ago, when Gu Mo and Gu Chudong returned to Linjiang City, Gu Chudong wanted to buy the Buer Manor, but Gu Mo did not agree at the time, so the matter was put on hold.

Now that Gu Mo brought up the old topic again, Gu Chudong was overjoyed. However, she was also a little puzzled and asked, "Brother, you were unwilling to buy it before. You thought it was pointless for us to buy a manor. Why do you suddenly want to buy it now?"

Gu Mo said, "There are two reasons. First, I spend more and more time at home these days, and there are very few wanted criminals that I can deal with. Second, the woman in red and the musician are Qi cultivators, and they also need a spacious enough place for them to practice."

The woman in red and the musician are among the most outstanding Qi cultivators in the world. They research and study many things in their daily lives, requiring a large space and a lot of materials, which ordinary courtyards simply cannot meet. Moreover, and most importantly, Gu Mo has also discussed and selected a Qi cultivation technique suitable for Gu Chudong's practice with the woman in red and the musician, which requires an even larger space.

but,

There was another reason, which Gu Mo didn't mention.

Buer Manor is the only place where he feels a strong sense of belonging since he awakened his innate wisdom. Although that sense of belonging mainly comes from Yan San Niang, he feels very at home in Buer Manor.

After returning to Linjiang City,
The first thing Gu Chudong did was to buy the Buer Manor. Now, Linjiang City is in a state of depression. Four years ago, Yan San Niang sold the huge Buer Manor for over ten thousand taels of silver when she was in a hurry to sell it. But Gu Chudong only spent a little over three thousand taels of silver to buy it now.

After that, Gu Chudong became very busy, buying furniture, making simple renovations, recruiting servants, and so on, while Gu Mo went directly to the northern desert.

Gu Chudong's cultivation level is already quite high, and she has the red-clothed woman protecting her closely. There is also a musician staying at the Gu family manor for twelve hours a day. In terms of safety, with the red-clothed woman and the musician, it can be said that the safety is even higher than that of the imperial palace. Therefore, Gu Mo has no worries at all.

Starting from Linjiang City and arriving in Mobei, Gu Mo only took less than an hour. His sword-riding speed is getting faster and faster, especially after he spent some time on Penglai Island studying the Seven Absolutes Pavilion's ultimate technique, the Heavenly Abyss Returns to Silence Seven Killings Ode, and applied the Wind Killing Ode to his sword-riding technique, which naturally made his sword-riding speed even faster.

(End of this chapter)